FAQ

Booking a great wedding photographer shouldn’t be hard. We have compiled a list of questions that we get asked a lot. If you don’t find your answer here, please feel free to contact one of our account executives at the studio.

How do you define your style?

We have an off-the-cuff approach that captures the best of you on your day. We love moments, real moments. Combine them with creative portraits that keep you engaged and moving and you get a coverage of your wedding that is not only beautiful, but also authentic. More on our approach here

How do I choose the right photographer - what are their differences?

Our photographers are highly trained within the studio and each come with their individual styles. One photographer might be better at photojournalism and another with fashion and/or fine art photography. We have a description of each photographer in their bios. Please look at their portfolios and see if you see yourself in his or her pictures.

How many photographers will be at my wedding?

If you have a 150-200 person wedding, 2 photographers plus one assistant is the norm. But then we shoot a lot of weddings that are unique: we customize the coverage on what you need.

What does it take to become a COS photographer?

Frankly, a lot. We have interviewed many photographers to potentially shoot for us, but only a handful made it. The most important characteristics are:

- A creative portfolio

- The photographer must be accomplished AND have their work published

- Must possess technical prowess.

- He or she must be a great person, period.

- Must be confident without being a diva.

- No stress monkeys

We have a destination wedding - how do you handle travel?

We handle all our travel logistics ourselves. We book air travel, hotels and local transportation etc so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Most of our photographers are based in New York, so it is easy for us to travel to any place in the world.

Do you need a shot list?

We have our own shot list that is in the back of our heads as it comes to wedding details, such as the rings, the gown and decor details. This is a very important part of the training process and each shot that is typically created at a wedding gets discussed, tweaked and perfected amongst the studio photographers. We have creative meetings at the studio where, for example, we discuss how to perfect the ring shot for hours.

What we do need to know from you, however, is the portraits that you want us to take. The family groupings that are important to you etc. Also, please let us know about any special features of your wedding, such as a surprise performance by a headliner or fireworks, sparkler exits and such.

A word about table shots: They are so 1987. We don’t do them. Instead we have roaming photographers capturing your guests during the cocktail hour.

How do you handle group shots (Formals)?

Every wedding needs those. Group formals are simply a part of the wedding as you have a rare opportunity of families getting together. We have not photographed a single one without those photos. Frankly, as far as photography goes, these are the shots we prepare for the most as we have to let people know where to be at a certain time. We do these portraits very well as we always scout the location for the photos and we light them if we are indoors (sometimes outdoors too)

We love photography - especially of photos of ourselves

You know who you are! We love you too, because you will be fun to photograph. We do feed off our subject’s energy and love to collaborate.

How many photos will we get and how long does it take?

We don’t have a set number and it depends on the size of your wedding. If you have a 2 photographer coverage for 8 hours, then it tends to be between 700-1000 photos.

We definitely shoot more photos, but we get rid of the shots of the floor and when someone walks in front of the camera. Nobody needs to see those. Those will be deleted.

The photos will be delivered 4-6 weeks after the wedding.

Do you shoot RAW and how do you process your files?

We do a lot of culling, editing and juxtaposing - and, well the top photos get a little love in Photoshop (you would never know it!). We have a great team of editors and retouchers here in the studio that are dedicated to make the photos look great.

We shoot RAW files. RAW files need to be color and exposure corrected. This is done by hand or rather eye. To do this, we use professional grade software as is usual in the pro-photography world. We don’t use prosumer stuff such as Lightroom etc. or Instagram-ish filters to make a quick job of it. The photos we produce go into magazines a lot, so we are used to delivering the best quality possible.

What are your deliverables?

- You receive a beautiful proof gallery. It looks really great with your photos displayed full-screen. Plus you can share it with your family and friends.
- All the photos arrive in a magazine style proof book.
- You receive a pocketable mini-book with the best photos of the day
- All the high-resolution files on a USB drive

We are a great couple, but my fiancee is not one to pose for a camera

Shucks. Well, that’s what an engagement shoot is there for! This helps us to build rapport with you. You learn your good angles and we find them on you! Take a look at some of the engagement shoots here

What happens if if rains?

Boo! Well, actually not really! Rain is a huge photo opportunity. Yes your wedding photos might show a lot of umbrellas and guests treading water, but hey that adds a lot more character to them. More about happy moments in the rain here

What if something happens to my photographer?

Once committed our photographers will be there! There are no ifs, why’s and buts.

However, if something tragic occurs we would have one of our other studio photographers fill in. We are also very connected in the photography world, so we’ll have you covered.